I’ve heard 4200 and 5200 ft of climbing. Athlete guide shows 4200. Does anyone know which is correct?
WTC says 4200’. People’s Garmin files have between 5000-6000’. Odds are both are wrong.
Was thinking about this the other day. What is climbing and how do different total elevations relate to the type of climbs. ie are long gradual climbs harder than short step climbs or constant rollers.
Whistler basically has 3 climbing sections on the course. This is how I’m comparing my training rides to Whislter course. Both Garmins and WTC are ‘wrong’ to some extent.
1 - HWY 99 to Callaghan (12.75km, start 500m end 870m - total change 370m, avg grade 2.9%) One downhill section, 2 steep uphill sections (10%)
2 - HWY 99 to Whistler (11km, 500m-670m-total change 170m, avg grade 1.5%) Steeper at the start, then rolling in Whistler. Max grade of around 6% and mostly around 2-4%
3 - Pemberton to Whistler (22km, 200m-640m-total change 440m, avg grade 2%) Steep climbing mixed with flat/downhills, Max grade around 10% for up to 1km at a time.
Doesn’t really answer the question of total climb, but for me at least, gives a better handle on what the race will be like. The first climb to Callaghan is actually fairly easy, it is relatively steady and not super long. The final climb isn’t that hard either, just the fact that it is at the end of the race and has a false flat section at the top for about 10km.
What do u think bike times will be? For instance, assuming same weather conditions, how would this course compare to Wisconsin or penticton? Slower or faster?
What do u think bike times will be? For instance, assuming same weather conditions, how would this course compare to Wisconsin or penticton? Slower or faster?
I never raced Penticton but have done parts of the course. Most people who have done both are saying maybe 10-20min slower times. 5hr guys might be closer to 5:15 this year. But, winds on the final climb will be the deciding factor in all of that. Saw results from one TT done early morning with no wind, and times were fast. Afternoon usually has stronger winds and if they come up, you have 30km return from Pemberton uphill into a headwind.
There is definitely more climbing than Penticton. The climbs are also a little steeper in sections and obviously spaced out totally different.
No wind times will be 10-20 minutes slower for good riders.
Wind back from Pemberton and times will be very slow, probably 15-30 minutes slower than Penticton.
I have been up four weekends this summer and have had 10-15 mph head winds coming back from Pemberton everytime.
I predict top 3 slowest bike splits on the circuit.